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SOL expansion


PaddySAFC97 said:
If we were to ever expand again, it should be to create a massive single tiered stand in the Roker End, like they have a Dortmund.

Could have our very own red and white wall.
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But then how would more hospitality be offered with that kind of expansion?

Btw I agree with having the South as a single tiered home end but it's hospitality that needs increasing first & foremost before regular seats or standing.
 
RedandWhiteRebel said:
But then how would more hospitality be offered with that kind of expansion?

Btw I agree with having the South as a single tiered home end but it's hospitality that needs increasing first & foremost before regular seats or standing.
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possibly at the back but you would be paying premium to be miles away from the pitch....unless we had a sky bar hospitality with seating

*theres a point, could we not build down from the roof with a skybar round the whole bowl.....think im going too far now 🤣
 
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Sporty said:
This is the one of the more important things for SAFC and a fact lost on many who moan the SOL is too large and should never have been expanded. Probably because they're bothered it looks crap and those nasty mags will take the piss out of empty seats.

Having the SOL that way has allowed the club to keep concessions in all parts of the ground and the low prices mean it doesn't break the bank to take the bairns. Some clubs limit their concession/family areas and that means unless the parents are a bit more well off then the bairns miss out. Just look at Boro for example as I'm sure I've mentioned them before but there's few clubs like SAFC that look after the next generation of fans by offering plenty of availability at affordable prices.

Getting as many bairns in means getting them hooked at a young age so they will make it an occasion as they grow up and many will be the 'core' supporters. They've been going to the match with their parent and it's not the 1st generation either as some will have generations of family who've gone to the games. Some of those who got in as bairns years ago will go no matter what when they grow up. That's why even though we've not been Premier League the last 8 seasons, we're still getting huge crowds and bairns can still get to see the lads for a reasonable price.

If the majority of bairns can't get in then you may lose them as future 'core' supporters. It will be hard to attract them to games if times are shite and those unable to go as bairns may not want to suddenly start going when they're older as they got into other things as a bairn growing up.
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Thanks mate and I agree.

Getting kids has to be part of our planning.
 
After I put up the variation picture of the south extension dated 31st March and some saying this remains valid...the only way this can stay valid is if we actually put the foundations in (or done some building work) within the first 3 years of the validity of the application......When Sirbob said that we have built the stadium to 'easily' expand to 63k is this essentially what he meant? foundations are already in? I cant see it myself that we already have the foundations in which to me would mean that the variation means nothing (so what does the variation mean?). Somebody please correct me if im wrong but within that 3 year period some building work would of had to take place to keep an application valid
 
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Weststand said:
After I put up the variation picture of the south extension dated 31st March and some saying this remains valid...the only way this can stay valid is if we actually put the foundations in (or done some building work) within the first 3 years of the validity of the application......When Sirbob said that we have built the stadium to 'easily' expand to 63k is this essentially what he meant? foundations are already in? I cant see it myself that we already have the foundations in which to me would mean that the variation means nothing (so what does the variation mean?). Somebody please correct me if im wrong but within that 3 year period some building work would of had to take place to keep an application valid
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Do you have a link to the variation on planning portal?
 
Weststand said:
these links dont always work

You must be logged on to see external links
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Ah right. I think that's a glitch on the planning portal. That document looks to have last been varied in 2005.

If you look at the original planning permission decision notice for the stadium of light, the permission granted status shows as last year. Not sure why, but I'm guessing a glitch.

You must be logged on to see external links
 
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Weststand said:
After I put up the variation picture of the south extension dated 31st March and some saying this remains valid...the only way this can stay valid is if we actually put the foundations in (or done some building work) within the first 3 years of the validity of the application......When Sirbob said that we have built the stadium to 'easily' expand to 63k is this essentially what he meant? foundations are already in? I cant see it myself that we already have the foundations in which to me would mean that the variation means nothing (so what does the variation mean?). Somebody please correct me if im wrong but within that 3 year period some building work would of had to take place to keep an application valid
Click to expand...
I was always under the impression that the club had all the pile drilling or whatever it’s called for the extensions, carried out at the time the stadium was built. Mind I’m often wrong so don’t take that as gospel. Does anyone remember pile drilling taking place when the north stand was extended, or was the new steelwork simply connected to pre drilled foundations. It did seem to go up fairly quickly.
 
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Mr B said:
I was always under the impression that the club had all the pile drilling or whatever it’s called for the extensions, carried out at the time the stadium was built. Mind I’m often wrong so don’t take that as gospel. Does anyone remember pile drilling taking place when the north stand was extended, or was the new steelwork simply connected to pre drilled foundations. It did seem to go up fairly quickly.
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I don't remember, but it did seem to happen very quickly. The roof came off midway through the season and it was complete by the start of the next, I think. I could be misremembering though.
 
Mr B said:
I was always under the impression that the club had all the pile drilling or whatever it’s called for the extensions, carried out at the time the stadium was built. Mind I’m often wrong so don’t take that as gospel. Does anyone remember pile drilling taking place when the north stand was extended, or was the new steelwork simply connected to pre drilled foundations. It did seem to go up fairly quickly.
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I very much doubt that mate as regulations could change as well as changes in the way stadiums are constructed. It also wouldn't make sense to pay up front capital costs for something that might not be used. The cost of piling would be significant. I'd add that there would be a liability to the contractor who completed the piling, who's going to take on that risk years down the line?

Weststand said:
After I put up the variation picture of the south extension dated 31st March and some saying this remains valid...the only way this can stay valid is if we actually put the foundations in (or done some building work) within the first 3 years of the validity of the application......When Sirbob said that we have built the stadium to 'easily' expand to 63k is this essentially what he meant? foundations are already in? I cant see it myself that we already have the foundations in which to me would mean that the variation means nothing (so what does the variation mean?). Somebody please correct me if im wrong but within that 3 year period some building work would of had to take place to keep an application valid
Click to expand...

It could be as simple as installing some drainage or something like that, which would constitute a start.
 
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Weststand said:
After I put up the variation picture of the south extension dated 31st March and some saying this remains valid...the only way this can stay valid is if we actually put the foundations in (or done some building work) within the first 3 years of the validity of the application......When Sirbob said that we have built the stadium to 'easily' expand to 63k is this essentially what he meant? foundations are already in? I cant see it myself that we already have the foundations in which to me would mean that the variation means nothing (so what does the variation mean?). Somebody please correct me if im wrong but within that 3 year period some building work would of had to take place to keep an application valid
Click to expand...
Bob deffo said the foundations were designed adequate enough to allow for easy extension of the ground!...but as in most things in the building area the specs usually change over time and who knows if the foundation specs designed in 1997 would be valid in 2026?
 
Mr B said:
I was always under the impression that the club had all the pile drilling or whatever it’s called for the extensions, carried out at the time the stadium was built. Mind I’m often wrong so don’t take that as gospel. Does anyone remember pile drilling taking place when the north stand was extended, or was the new steelwork simply connected to pre drilled foundations. It did seem to go up fairly quickly.
Click to expand...
I think the stands are basically half built and would not need any modification to add the top half. I certainly don't remember any disturbance when the North stand extension was added and indeed fans were still seated there while the extension was built.
 
DH4 said:
I think the stands are basically half built and would not need any modification to add the top half. I certainly don't remember any disturbance when the North stand extension was added and indeed fans were still seated there while the extension was built.
Click to expand...
Aye. Bit of WD40 on the nuts n bolts, take the roof panels off, twist the steels upwards a bit, add the new steels below, add the concrete panels, add the seats, hoy the roof back on. South Stand Sorted.
 
Weststand said:
After I put up the variation picture of the south extension dated 31st March and some saying this remains valid...the only way this can stay valid is if we actually put the foundations in (or done some building work) within the first 3 years of the validity of the application......When Sirbob said that we have built the stadium to 'easily' expand to 63k is this essentially what he meant? foundations are already in? I cant see it myself that we already have the foundations in which to me would mean that the variation means nothing (so what does the variation mean?). Somebody please correct me if im wrong but within that 3 year period some building work would of had to take place to keep an application valid
Click to expand...
I would guess Sir Bob means the land is there and surrounding infrastructure is in place. Additionally the roof can come off and pretty much be put back into place like the north srand extension. Though with the passing of time possibly a new roof.

There is not another top stadium in the country that can as easily be extended than the SOL thanks to Sir Bobs vision.

I’m sure Sir Bob mentioned on his book promotion the owners were open to the idea too.
 
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DH4 said:
I think the stands are basically half built and would not need any modification to add the top half. I certainly don't remember any disturbance when the North stand extension was added and indeed fans were still seated there while the extension was built.
Click to expand...

I remember getting plastic ponchos for free.
riffraff said:
Aye. Bit of WD40 on the nuts n bolts, take the roof panels off, twist the steels upwards a bit, add the new steels below, add the concrete panels, add the seats, hoy the roof back on. South Stand Sorted.
Click to expand...

Maybe the fans can do it for a burger.
 
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